Family surprise hit? 2024 Hyundai Kona review: Premium | New Toyota Corolla Cross rival impresses!

The 2024 Hyundai Kona has been making plenty of noise following its Australian launch earlier in 2023, with the second-generation small SUV keen to show off its futuristic exterior design and more practical interior space.
But the new Kona faces some stiff competition, with the likes of Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross looking to defend their territory. That said, the Hyundai model has naturally aspirated petrol, turbocharged petrol, petrol-electric hybrid and all-electric powertrain options, meaning buyers are spoilt for choice.
In this expert review, CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Emily Agar and her family of three spend a week with the Kona's flagship grade, the aptly named Premium, to see if it offers the level of bang for your back that families have been craving for. But is her test vehicle let down by its naturally aspirated petrol engine?
#Hyundai #Kona #Review
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:30 Pricing and features
01:09 Design
01:51 Practicality
04:30 Under the bonnet
05:21 Driving
06:40 Efficiency
07:06 Safety
07:41 Ownership
08:10 Verdict
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Read Emily's full review: bit.ly/3PQ56PH
Check out our Hyundai Kona hub: bit.ly/451NnJe
Find more SUVs: bit.ly/3QVs1X1
Visit our FamilyGuide: bit.ly/46nQkEX
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[@Shred2023]

Thnx for the review. Very helpful

[@roberthamilton1301]

Thanks for the review

[@manahapu]

Can you turn off the stupid driver alerts, and not having to do that EVERY SINGLE TIME you drive? I drove a rental car of this model, and that was a deal-breaker for me. Otherwise, loved the car and would buy it!

[@user-yg8lc6lu6u]

Would really like to see a comparison of the 2024 Kona N line Hybrid and Corolla Cross Hybrid

[@letsseeif]

Thanks for your review. If I was buying I'd seriously consider one.

[@davidtaylor3]

Good real-world review! I like the Kona’s bold futuristic design and prefer it to the bland styling of some other vehicles in this segment. I also like all the features and technology it offers for the price as well as its user friendliness with a good mix of hard buttons for all the major controls. I’d be interested to hear how the upcoming hybrid drives as it promises excellent fuel economy which is a huge plus with petrol prices the way they are now. I think overall it would make a great family car.

[@xXYellie12Xx]

9/10 is promising given this variant has the gutless 2.0L. I test drove both the 2.0L and the 1.6L turbo and the 1.6 turbo is a WAY more enjoyable drive. Agree with the rest of the vid - So practical and well packaged for the size and price!

[@arkihussey7635]

comparison with nissan qashqai ?

[@brucecampbell1743]

I'm still waiting for my Hyundai i30 hatch back auto i signed the paperwork 3 months ago and i haven't got the car

[@timothybush7050]

Getting next year. In the yummy mirage green. And beige interior.😢

[@larpy]

What’s reliability like? Heard of any issues with it yet ?

[@carsguide]

The 2024 Kona is a bit too new for us to have heard about any issues with reliability. That sort of thing will likely reveal itself after 6-12 months of being on sale. Keep an eye on this link down the track if you are still concerned; www.carsguide.com.au/hyundai/kona/problems

[@brentonh2197]

To be clear to potential buyers - it's possible to add the N Line styling pack to the lesser 2.0L engine. However if you want the 1.6 turbo, that only comes in conjunction with the N Line pack. I'd love a 1.6 Premium with the cream (or green!) leather interior, but it's not offered.

[@henrikhook.]

The armrest between the front seats... could have been a little longer. 🤔

[@nikhilguda]

longer and higher. I have test driven one and felt that.

[@henrikhook.]

​@@nikhilguda-Ok.

[@Nobrainer19073]

The boot design looks really old fashion

[@theaustralianconundrum]

Our 2013 Hyundai i30 Premium CRDi 1.6 litre Diesel Turbo has 100Kw and 280Nm torque from idle driven via a traditional 6 speed automatic. It cost us AU$14,000.00 drive away in 2017 with 12 months factory warranty left and was ex fleet with 103,000Kms. Had a full service history and as of typing this has now just passed 190,000Km's and absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it. It has MORE features than this current Kona and was a fraction of the cost. Ours has averaged 6L/100KM's combined cycle. This video proves why you do NOT have to buy the latest model car to be happy. I absolutely will not be selling our 2013 until 2033 and or 300,000Km;s as there is no need to do this. PS* Our "old" 2013 CRDi still pulls like a freight train up any incline on any highway yet never exceeds 3,000rpm. You will never beat a turbo diesel. Cheers!!!

[@letsseeif]

I agree. While the Kona is obviously a good car, I still use our '04 Getz as our 'shopping car' and our late 17 PD i30 SR Turbo Premium is beyond good. Hyundai makes long term extremely reliability vehicles.

[@Strand0410]

"It has MORE features than this current Kona" like what? Sounds like someone's falling for the ol' post-purchase rationalisation.

[@TT10Kofficial]

As a 2021 hyundai i30 elite owner, i can confirm that the mileage and reliable is good. It costed us a sweaty 30,500 AUD. It was worth it. It smelt like heavens gates were opening when i first sat inside of it. It has 30,000+ KM’s because i drive up to sydney every day.

[@gryaris.......5648]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Yo-xr7lj]

Big enough for a family of 4?

[@carsguide]

Yes, the Kona is big enough for a family of four. Both the front and rear row has "an almost indecent amount of head, leg and elbow room" according to our Contributing Journalist Emily Agar. She was very impressed by the space inside the Kona.

[@Benny8940]

That back seat just does not look spacious.

[@leemace9638]

I think you have to be smoking cones to buy a Kona it just looks ugly 🤮

[@xXYellie12Xx]

I think it looks awesome, finally a regular car brand doing something ambitious design-wise

[@justj2530]

i love the look. havent smoked anything since ever.😊

[@TT10Kofficial]

Dont judge a book by its cover. The interior is the great part + the ambient lighting in the front.